Atlantis Casino first book to release 2013 NFL season win totals

The Atlantis Casino Resort Spa in Reno, Nevada is the first sportsbook to release 2013 NFL season win totals, setting the over/under on victories for all 32 teams Thursday.

Atlantis sportsbook director Steve Mikkelson, renowned for being the first to release MLB season win totals each year, crunched the NFL numbers on his day off Wednesday and sat down with Covers to discuss some of the most interesting win totals on the board before they went live Thursday afternoon.

“For me, the toughest win totals to set were the Chiefs, Eagles and Lions because they all underachieved last year,” Mikkelson told Covers. “The Chiefs and Eagles have new coaches, with Andy Reid and Chip Kelly, so you’d like to think that would make a difference. But it’s an unknown.”
Biggest difference from last year – Seattle Seahawks (11)

“The Seahawks were 7.5 wins last year and now we have them at 11. We have some teams going up by three, like Denver and Indianapolis, but the Seahawks are the biggest jump. That defense is dominating and Russell Wilson played so well in his first year. Some people think they’re the best team in the NFL. Even though (the NFC West is) a tough division, you have to think of them as one of the best and we weren’t saying that last year.”

Highest season win total – Denver Broncos (12)

“It’s not really a case of me thinking they’re the absolute best team in football, but you look at that schedule and (the AFC West) division and I don’t know where they’re going to get those losses from. As long as (Peyton) Manning stays healthy, I don’t see a whole lot of losses for this team.”

Lowest season win total – Jacksonville Jaguars (4.5)

“Not really a surprise. It’s just a case of them not having a lot going for them,” says Mikkelson. “I’m not sold on the quarterback situation and I’m not sure if Blaine Gabbert can play. They had a nice draft, but is that really going transition them into being a strong team? Maurice Jones-Drew is back but how healthy is he going to be? They’re just a bad team and it’s tough to give them wins. I could have easily went with four but everyone likes to bet the low totals up and the high ones down.”